Sanitation
Sanitizers kill bacteria and other organic waste by breaking them
down to non-harmful levels and are filtered out. Before you fill
your spa, you need to decide which chemical sanitizer you wish to
use. Consult your Cal Spas dealer for the right decision with
regards to your lifestyle and spa usage. We recommend either
bromine or chlorine as your sanitizer. Both work well when
maintained regularly.
DO NOT use trichlor. Trichlor is very acidic and the hot
temperature of the spa causes it to dissolve too quickly. It will
cause damage to your spa and will void your warranty.
Whichever plan you decide on, follow it completely and don't take
shortcuts. It will provide you with clean, safe, clear spa water
with a minimum of effort. Spa owners with an ozonator still need
to use a chemical sanitizer.
Using Chlorine as a Sanitizer
If you choose to use chlorine as a sanitizer, only use granulated
chlorine, not liquid chlorine.
Once a week, check the chlorine level using either a test strip or
a reagent kit. See the table on the following page for the ideal
range.
Add one or two tablespoons granulated chlorine to the spa water
weekly. Note that chlorine dissipation rate will be faster at
higher water temperatures and slower at lower temperatures.
When you add chlorine, open all of the jets and run the spa at
high speed with the cover open for at least 30 minutes.
Follow the
maintenance schedule.
Using Bromine as a Sanitizer
Bromine is a very effective sanitizer that produces low chemical
odors. Unlike chlorine, it can break down bacteria and other
impurities to a safe level with a low burn-out rate.
Bromine is available in granulated form. Use granulated sodium
bromide to establish your bromine base.
When you begin with fresh water, add 2 ounces of granulated
bromide. Open all of the jets and run the spa at high speed with
the cover open for at least 30 minutes. This is your base bromine
level.
Follow the
maintenance schedule.
Shocking the Water
In addition to using a chemical sanitizer, you will periodically
need to shock the water. Shocking the water helps remove
burned-out chemicals, bacteria, and other organic material from
your spa's water and improves your sanitizer's effectiveness.
Do not use chlorinating shock, which will damage your spa's jets
and pump seals. Only use an oxidizer shock. It can be used with
either chlorine or bromine sanitizers.
Add two ounces of oxidizer shock per 500 gallons once a week,
after heavy bather loads, or if water has a strong odor.
Spa must be running with all of the jets on high for 30 minutes
with the cover open. If necessary, repeat oxidizer shock in 30
minute intervals.